Community role of the Advertiser and its Trust

Set up in 1962 by Advertiser proprietor Louis Baylis, the trust is the owner of the paper’s publisher Baylis Media Ltd.

Working independently from the newspaper, the trust distributes grants to charities and good causes operating in our communities.

Trustees meet twice a year to go through applications and decide on donations, which can be anything from £250 for smaller projects to five-figure grants.

Each year, more than 100 organisations benefit from trust donations, using the money to support those most in need, improve facilities, provide vital services and make our towns and villages better places.

Many donations benefit the elderly and the young, while important parts of the community such as arts and sport projects are also recognised.

In April, the Louis Baylis Trust made a £10,000 emergency fund available to help good causes continue to carry out their work during the coronavirus pandemic and provide help during the outbreak.

The trust’s finances are supported by investments, while it receives 80 per cent of any profits made by the Advertiser and its sister papers.

Its continued support for our newspapers has ensured we remain independent and free from outside interests. Just like the trust, our commitment is to the community we serve, rather than the interests of anonymous shareholders.

Every time you buy a newspaper or place an advertisement you can be sure that you are helping fund trusted, public interest journalism – and that our owners are helping someone you may know in the community.